Dine in Whistler
Posted by: Feet Banks
Last month we talked about the value of Dine in Whistler for husbands and boyfriends who perhaps needed help on the domestic front. With many of Whistler’s top restaurants offering gourmet set-menus at super-reduced rates, it seemed perfect for dudes looking for a get out of jail free card.
However, as Dine in Whistler continues, (it ends June 28) the ladies of Whistler have been taking matters into their own hands.
“Dine in is great for couples,” says Jess Smith, Media Manager with Watermark Communications, “but it think it’s really ideal for groups of girls. Maybe we just like to indulge more often…It’s perfect because I can go with one group of friends one night and another group the next.”
So what’s the better way to spend a foodlover’s weekend in Whistler? With your “significant other” or with your crew? The Insider spoke with some prominent local ladies about how, and where, they’ve been getting it done
“The girls and I went to Quattro,” Jess continues. “it’s awesome because they change the menu every two weeks so you can literally eat your way through the different regions of Italy. I also indulged at Alta Bistro, their menu has a few different price options so you can tailor it to your tastes. I had Miyagi oysters and seared duck breast and their mixologist is amazing at pairing cocktails with each course.”
Dana Friesen-Smith is an 8-year local who spent some time in the restaurant industry (voted server of the year in 2010!) before shifting into the real estate game. She admits to partaking in Dine in Whistler deals both with and without her husband.
“We went to Bearfoot Bistro together,” Dana says. “The food was amazing. Then we had the bacon-infused-vodka Caesars and that really blew our minds. Then we ended up in the Belvedere Ice Room, which was awesome but make sure you don’t wear sandals. They have warm jackets and hats but my feet froze.”
2010 Winter Olympic Skicross gold medalist and born-and-raised Whistler girl Ashleigh McIvor also took the “Date Night” approach to the Dine in deals at the Rim Rock Café.
“The Rim Rock is such a classic Whistler fine-dining spot,” Ashleigh says. “I’ve only been four or five times but my boyfriend and I went last week for their $49 special. The salmon stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes, crab and goat cheese was amazing. Great atmosphere, great staff, great food – I love it because it’s in Creekside and I can walk there from my place.”
Whistler Film Festival director Shauna Hardy Mishaw took a break from planning Whistler’s premier film event to enjoy Sushi Village’s $19 menu with her family.
“Each course option offered six items to choose from but the most interesting was the new Pumpkin Delight Roll featured in the second course,” Shauna says. “But don’t get fooled by the name, it was so much more than just pumpkin in a roll and well worth the try. Our kids love sushi so this is a great excuse to get out with the family before the summer crowds roll into town, and above all else, it relieves the necessity of having to cook dinner!”
So I guess the moral of the story is Dine in Whistler’s all-gourmet awesomeness is everything to everyone. The only way to know for sure what’s best for you is to come up for a few nights and try it for youself.
As a bonus – Heather Martin, a local wine rep with Vincor Canada (and no stranger to the Dine in Whistler meals and deals) has suggested a few top wine picks for some of the establishments mentioned in this post. Thanks Heather!
Sushi Village: “The best varietal wine pairing for sushi is Sauvignon Blanc and Sushi Village offers the 2010 Sumac Ridge Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc for only $30 bottle. This vintage is clean and crisp with a true Sauvignon Blanc nose of gooseberry and citrus. With continuity of flavours in the palate – bright acidity, lychee, citrus, and grassy notes This wine is completed by a pleasantly balanced, lengthy finish.”
Quattro: “Since you’re saving yourself a few bucks on your meal, why not spoil yourself with a 2007 Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin. This beautiful Okanagan wine is made with BC grapes in the true Bordeaux style, which is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc), with small additions of Petit Verdot and Malbec.”
Bearfoot Bistro: A trip to the Bearfoot Bistro just isn’t complete without learning how to saber a bottle of Sparkling in their infamous wine cellar. A bottle of the 2007 Stellers Jay Brut is your ticket, and trust me, you will use this party trick forever.
Rim Rock: Paso Robles, California is a Zinfandel hot spot in Central California and the Paso Creek Zinfandel delivers spicy aromas of pepper and black fruit that will pair perfectly with a steak or seafood.
Eat well and drink up! Dine in Whistler ends June 28!
Article source: http://www.whistler.com/blog/post/2012/06/05/Dine-in-Whistler-for-all.aspx
